As the trio were on their way into the inner red forest. The reactions of those spectating the test was utter disbelief. When they remembered the events that transpired and the gruesome happenings that followed due to the Half-Breed being provoked, they honestly couldn’t help but tremble in fear.
Especially, those people who had a higher cultivation. For they understood that whatever it was that Zilan did had not only affected Chui’s body but also his soul.
This wasn’t just a simple soul attack, this was torture and corruption of the highest degree. Death could be considered a mercy after going through such a terrifying transformation.
The people within the Purple Heart, Two Flames camp, upon seeing this all felt their hearts cry. If they had truly made a move on Zilan, would it not be them to suffer instead of the other way around.
The same type of commotion was also taking place on the Elders hill however, the difference was that everyone was quiet. Apart from Elder White Snow who was irritated by Chui, everyone else seemed to be deep in thought.
“Who is this Half Breed?” were the general questions being asked.
“To do such a despicable thing in front of us, that Half Breed is really looking down on us.” Stated White Snow as he eyed Zilan.
“Elder, has he broken any rules?” Feeling that he could no longer remain silent, Amani posed a question.
White Snow seemed to want to rebuke Amani however, he was stopped prematurely by the Fourth Elder.
“As long as no one kills we will not interfere. These are the rules set by the Chairman himself, thus regardless of the circumstances no one is allowed to influence the test. Is that clear or do I need to remind you of the existences within the forest? If that person in particular decides to take action then……”
Hearing this, Elder White Snow immediately came back to his senses. He was only annoyed that a trifling youngster had given him so much trouble to the point of even using his treasured sword the same way one would use a butcher’s knife.
However these small things were not worth it if taking action would lead to that person taking action. He already couldn’t handle the Old sage of the Inner red forest, if the master of the Blue forest came out then his fate wouldn’t be that far off from what Chui faced in the end.
After taking a breath to calm down, White Snow turned towards the Fourth Elder wishing to express his views to at least save a small punishment for Zilan once the test was over. After all, they had an image of righteousness to uphold.
Unfortunately, as if knowing what he wanted to say, the wise crane looked into the forest and sighed,
“I’m afraid that child’s background won’t be something you’ll want to offend easily. Just from his few actions, it’s easy to tell that the knowledge and experience instilled in him is something only a Great Senior would be capable of. Even that curse of his, aside from identifying it as a curse, I can’t find anything else. Tell me, do you still want to go ahead with your plan?”
White Snow could only shake his head. His aim for proposing the idea was just to deter others from using despicable means in the future. He didn’t want the test turning into a competition of underhanded death tactics.
After all, people who came to the Association did so primarily to seek knowledge in the way of Alchemy.
That being said, if his background really was as overbearing as Fourth Elder suggested then, he wouldn’t pursue the matter of someone who technically had yet to break any rules.
………………..
Meanwhile,
Zilan, Fujo and Kifo had finally reached the inner red forest. However, just as they were about to step into the eerily dark forest, a figure came speeding forward and without even glancing at them charged into the forest.
“Hmm?”
Immediately after entering, the figure came to a stop struggling to adjust to the immense pressure.
*Pap*
The figure quickly dropped to its knees. It was obvious he couldn’t handle anymore.
“Isn’t that….?” exclaimed Kifo.
“That Ndege does indeed have some capability if his disciple has managed to reach this far but then so what? If this is his limit then in the end he’s still not good enough.” Sneered Fujo. He didn’t care about hiding his dislike for the Master, Disciple pair. After all, in the past his Uncle had been a victim of Ndege’s plots.
Zilan didn’t speak on the matter because he felt there was something strange about this rock scaled youth. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he felt that there was something strange about the kid but as to what that was he had no clue.
“Eh?”
Just as he was wondering how the youth was going to cope, sounds of rocks grinding together echoed throughout the area.
The clothes the youth was wearing were instantly torn apart as his body started enlarging at a visible pace. From a height of about six feet to a towering nine foot walking rock man. This type of transformation shocked even Zilan who was paying close attention to the cracks within the rock scales which seemed to have something akin to molten lava flowing about.
The youths hair was also particularly eye catching as it was now just a ball of blood-red flame.
“This….” Zilan narrowed his eyes when he looked at the giant rock scaled youth that stood steadily within the inner red forest.
He now understood what that feeling he had was. Luckily, this youth wasn’t the real deal otherwise, his existence was an undeniable threat.
What he didn’t understand though was why the youths bloodline was so weak and why he was among Beasts.
“A rock elemental among Beasts just how did this happen?” questioned Zilan.
In normal circumstances rock elementals were creatures that bowed to the Heavens will so then how exactly is this guy here? Maybe, the youth didn’t even know his true heritage and instead thought himself to be a Beast.
This would make sense since this world was too small to have any information on the existence that was rock elementals. However, the more Zilan thought about it the more he realised that this couldn’t be the full explanation.
As Zilan tried to figure out exactly where this mysterious guy had come from. A striking sinister laughter sounded out throughout the inner red forest.
Zilan had yet to enter the forest but as if it was alive, the pressure actually extended outwards as if wishing to devour him.
He quickly backed far away pulling Kifo and Fujo with him since the pressure was less effective on him than others.
Sensing that its prey had fled the pressure went back to normal, directing its full attention towards the rock scaled youth.
“Haha…my first playmate. Come let’s play a game.”
The sinister voice filled the entire inner red forest. It was obvious to anyone listening that the owner of the voice was extremely happy.
“Let’s see how long you can hold your breath. I’ll warn you, if you smell my gas your body won’t feel too good.”
Zilan attentively watched as the trees around the rock youth visibly wilted however, along with their death came a strange bright yellow gas that filled the entire area.
The rock youth didn’t panic as he controlled his body to tighten up, leaving not a single crack or opening for the gas to get in.
Seeing the gas as well as the youths actions, Zilan’s couldn’t help but shiver.
“Th..The forest is alive! Only living things can use that scripture, [Final Breaths Retribution]”
Of course, he didn’t dare voice his thoughts for risk of attracting that sinister entity to himself. Too bad that so-called sinister entity had long since locked onto Zilan as his main playmate.
The rock scaled youth was only an appetizer in the eyes of the strange smoking red Squirrel.
As expected, the rock scaled youth’s body started swaying before long and he was shrinking at a rapid pace as well. How could something called Final Breaths Retribution be so simple that just holding your breath could suffice?
Unless you had the ability to close off your mind, pores, aura and then stop all bodily functions, there was no way anyone could survive the Final release of concentrated life essence from dozens of aged life forms.
However, as a last resort the rock scaled youth suddenly let out a deep roar as his body was suddenly covered in flames. He then used some sort of divine ability which caused his body to actually seep into the ground and escape.
More accurately, it was like he teleported himself outside of the inner red forest.
Unfortunately, everything had a price and his was mouthful after mouthful of blood being spat out. The rocks on his body were on the verge of crumbling, the youth looked extremely fragile at this moment.
Zilan then turned towards the inner red forest only to see the trees, suddenly uproot themselves and in an extremely intelligent manner moved into a strange pattern or formation.
Taking another look at the rock scaled youth, Zilan could only inwardly thank him for going ahead of him.
The youth on the other hand was extremely displeased with seeing a half-Breed witness his moment of weakness. This was a great shame.
